ABOUT ROD VESTER, Ph.D.

Named as one of the top 30 professionals by Music America, Dr. Vester is an educator, researcher, pianist, composer, conductor, and producer who excels in gospel, jazz, classical, and contemporary music. He has performed with numerous artists, across genres, including Grammy Award winners CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin and the late Aretha Franklin. Rod’s music has been published in the Total Praise Hymnal, by GIA Publications, and Lifeway. As an arts consultant, Dr. Vester has helped expand the educational and artistic programming for many organizations and remains an active performer, clinician and speaker who has presented at Chamber Music America, Sphinx and at state and national music education conferences. Vester is committed to creating spaces where all students feel valued, voiced and visible.

Vester has helped young professionals reach their full potential across sectors, including college/university, arts non-profits, and religious institutions. He has spearheaded vision and execution of various business operations, developed and directed organizational strategies, business plans, policies, strategic marketing plans, sales objectives, established and improved strategic alliances globally, developed and introduced new products, curricula, and has helped scale organizations.

Dr. Vester is the creator and director of a new Bachelor of Arts program at Shenandoah Conservatory, Contemporary Musicianship and Entrepreneur Development (CMED) which also includes an embedded minor in Entrepreneurship through the School of Business. A first of its kind, the degree combines musicianship (the CONTEMPO Ensemble), business and entrepreneurial skills. No matter the track a student chooses, they all leave with the same crucial skills needed to help them thrive in today’s music industry.

Rod holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Counseling, a master’s degree in Musicology, and a Ph.D. in Music Education.